Portable support device and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A support device configured to overlay a seating assembly and configured to support the torso, neck, and head of a user is provided. The support device has a first elongated bolster cushion configured to support a first thoracic side of the user, a second elongated bolster cushion configured to support a second thoracic side of the user, a first adjustable strap coupled to a upper portion of the first elongated bolster cushion and an upper portion of the second elongated bolster cushion such that the strap connects each of the first and second elongated bolster cushions on their respective lower portions, a second adjustable strap coupled to a lower portion of the first elongated bolster cushion and a lower portion of the second elongated bolster cushion such that the strap connects each of the first and second elongated bolster cushions on their respective lower portions, wherein when the first adjustable strap is tightened the upper portions of the first and second elongated bolsters move towards each other such that the first and second elongated bolsters for a tapered shape with respect to the other to support the user&#39;s thoracic sides, neck, head of the user or any combination thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of support devices.More particularly, the present invention relates to a certain new anduseful support pillow that provides a portable support for a seatedindividual's neck and shoulders, wherein the support pillow functions asa sleep and rest device; reference being had to the drawingsaccompanying and forming a part of the same.

BACKGROUND

Portable travel and support pillows have been in existence for some timeand have been used in a variety of applications. Some of these devicesare specifically crafted to attach the provided support to a user'shead, whether it is by attaching the device to another stationary objectsuch as a car seat or fitting the device over one's head to provide asnug and close support. However, many times, these devices are only madewith universal fitment in mind and do not consider the different levelsof desired comfort a particular individual may have. In addition, manyof these devices are only concerned with providing support for a user'sheads, and do not take into consideration the close extremities that areoftentimes victims of improper sleeping, such as one's neck andshoulders.

An example of a support device is shown in U.S. Patent No. 2009/0206646A1, published Aug. 20, 2009, which describes a portable supportincluding a pillow that is particularly for positioning against the headof a person when traveling on an airplane, train, bus, or automobile.Another example of a support device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,185B1, published Aug. 28, 2001, which describes a support pillow that issuitable for placement around an object and that may be expanded whenplaced about an object and then returned to its original shape followingremoval from the object. Yet another example of a support device isshown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,964, published on Sep. 28, 1971, whichdescribes a pillow unit for use with a seat back, particularly the backof a passenger seat in a vehicle.

Furthermore, car seats that are made for infants and children arenotoriously uncomfortable. In turn, children are prone to letting theirparents know they are uncomfortable, which leads to distracted driving.Many of the car seats today do not mold to the child's body properly,and thus do not provide the request level of support. This can lead tothe aforementioned discomfort.

An example of such a car seat is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,629,published Jun. 26, 1990, which describes an infant car seat that isreclinable and rotatable and adapted to mount atop a standard automobileseat. Another example of such a car seat is shown in U.S. Pat. No.3,563,600, published Feb. 16, 1971, which describes an infant car seatof the safety padded type that is anchored to the automobile seat by useof the conventional automobile safety belts. Yet another example of sucha car seat is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,151 B2, published on Jun. 21,2005, which describes a juvenile booster car seat that folds compactlyfor easy transportation.

As such, a need exists for a new and improved support pillow, one thatallows individuals to customize the type of pillow used within thesupport device to allow for a more customized feel, and that alsoprovides support for an individual's neck and shoulders to preventagainst unwarranted neck pains and potential injuries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following summary of the invention is provided in order to provide abasic understanding of some aspects and features of the invention. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of the invention and as such it isnot intended to particularly identify key or critical elements of theinvention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purposeis to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

To achieve the foregoing and other aspects and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, a portable head, neck, and shoulder supportpillow is provided.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a newand improved support pillow that serves multiple purposes and isconvenient and easy to use.

The support device decreases the likelihood of injuries occurring whilesleeping in a vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedsupport pillow that decreases the likelihood of having neck and shoulderpain while sleeping in a vehicle.

In addition, rather than utilizing the same pillow structure and densityin each support device, the new and improved support device providesusers the ability to change the pillow utilized in the support device toallow for customization to individual user preferences. Designing thedevice in such a manner is important as it will allow users the abilityto customize the support pillow for maximum comfort, as many times theissue with support pillows are found with their universal fitmentapproach that does not take into consideration the dynamic variablesassociated with sleeping and comfort that vary between users.

The support device is easy to use and inexpensive to construct.

In exemplary embodiments, a support device configured to overlay aseating assembly and configured to support the torso, neck, and head ofa user is provided. The device comprises a first elongated bolstercushion configured to support a first thoracic side of the user; asecond elongated bolster cushion configured to support a second thoracicside of the user; a first adjustable strap coupled to a upper portion126 of the first elongated bolster cushion and an upper portion of thesecond elongated bolster cushion such that the strap connects each ofthe first and second elongated bolster cushions on their respectivelower portions; a second adjustable strap coupled to a lower portion 130of the first elongated bolster cushion and a lower portion of the secondelongated bolster cushion such that the strap connects each of the firstand second elongated bolster cushions on their respective lowerportions, wherein when the first adjustable strap is tightened the upperportions of the first and second elongated bolsters move towards eachother such that the first and second elongated bolsters for a taperedshape with respect to the other to support the user's thoracic sides,neck and head of the user.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for supporting a user seated in aseating assembly is provided. The method comprises overlaying thesupport device on the seating assembly, the support device comprising afirst elongated bolster cushion configured to support a first thoracicside of the user and a second elongated bolster cushion configured tosupport a second thoracic side of the user; coupling the support deviceto the seating assembly by placing a first adjustable strap around theseating assembly; adjusting the strap so it is taught against theseating assembly; seating a user in the seating assembly and supportdevice coupled thereto; further coupling the support device to theseating assembly by placing a second lower adjustable strap around theseating assembly, adjusting each of the straps such that the user issupported on the first thoracic side the second thoracic side.

Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention willbecome more apparent and be more readily understood from the followingdetailed description, which should be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a support device in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view illustrating the support devicepositioned in a seat for use, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view illustrating the support devicepositioned in a seat for use, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective front view illustrating the support device inuse in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a method diagram illustrating how to use the support device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of an optional embodiment of asupport device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailedfigures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to theFigures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled inthe art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention,recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, dependingupon the needs of the particular application, to implement thefunctionality of any given detail described herein, beyond theparticular implementation choices in the following embodiments describedare shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations ofthe invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit withinthe scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read asplural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, whereappropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply thatthe two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limitedto the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturingtechniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used forthe purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be notedthat as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is areference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof knownto those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a referenceto “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or meansand may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions usedare to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, theword “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical“or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the contextclearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to beunderstood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.Language that may be construed to express approximation should be sounderstood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In one general aspect, the present invention is directed tocomputer-based systems and methods that utilize gamification to create amore immersive, efficient and effective therapy treatment forindividuals required to use an incentive spirometer, with each therapygame being specifically tailored to account for an individual's healthneeds and its prior performance on each therapy game.

As used herein, the term “user” shall mean any individual of any age,which includes both children and adults.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention. Structures described herein are to be also understood torefer to functional equivalents of such structures. The presentinvention will now be described in detail with reference to embodimentsthereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While reference ismade to tablets, the present invention is applicable to other mobiledevices such as e-readers, phones, and the like.

Specific configurations and arrangements of the invention, discussedabove regarding the accompanying drawing, are for illustrative purposesonly. Other configurations and arrangements that are within the purviewof a skilled artisan can be made, used, or sold without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. For example, a reference to “anelement” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalentsthereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are tobe understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or”should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” ratherthan that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearlynecessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understoodalso to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a support device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is presentedgenerally at 100. The support device 100 comprise a first elongatedbolster cushion 102 and a second elongated bolster cushion 104 (eachalso referred to as “bolster”. The first elongated bolster 102 and thesecond elongated bolster 104 are each, in the current embodimentillustration, constructed of a flexible material made of cotton that ishypoallergenic. In optional embodiments, the first elongated bolster 102and second elongated bolster 104 may be constructed of another materialthat is resilient, compression resistant, and hypoallergenic, such aspolyester. Based on the inner material of the bolsters, they areconfigured to be pliable and malleable such that, in operation, they sitthe user snugly. Furthermore, the bolsters 102 and 104 may havecoverings over them made of cotton that is hypoallergenic as well.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the first elongated bolster 102 and secondelongated bolster 104 each comprise a zipper 122 and 118, respectively,which allows the support device 100 to receive a pillow. Optionally,other fasteners may be used such as hook and loop fasteners, magnets,and the like. In the current embodiment, the pillow that will bereceived by the first elongated bolster 102 and the second elongatedbolster 104 are constructed of hypoallergenic down alternative material.In optional embodiments, however, any suitable alternative material maybe used, such as feather pillows, full down pillows, memory foampillows, microbead pillows, buckwheat pillows or any other cushioningmaterial that is suitable for the current application. The firstelongated bolster 102 and second elongated bolsters 104 each comprise ahollow interior and a closeable pouches 114 and 116 respectively, thatallow the user to change a material in the interior of each of theelongated bolsters 102 and 104. The first elongated bolster 102 andsecond elongated bolster 104 each has a curved configuration. Suitably,the overall height (length) of the first elongated bolster 102 and thesecond elongated bolster 104 is thirty inches (30″) for each, while thewidth of the first elongated bolster 102 and the second elongatedbolster 104 is six inches (6″) for each. The length of the bolsters isdesigned to match the average length of an individual's torso.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a first adjustable strap 106 is coupled tothe upper portion 126 of the first elongated bolster 102 at theconnection point 138 as well as to the upper portion 128 of the secondelongated bolster 104 at the connection point 136. The first adjustablestrap 106 comprises a left strap 144 that is coupled to the upperportion 126 as well as a right strap 146 that is coupled to the upperportion 136. The left strap 144 is coupled to the right strap 146 toform one first adjustable strap 106 through the use of the buckle 110.In the current embodiment, the first adjustable strap 106 is coupled tothe connection points 136, 138 through the use of stitching. In optionalembodiments, the first adjustable strap 106 may be coupled to theconnection points 136, 138 through the use of heat bonding or ultrasonicbonding.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the support device 100 comprises a secondadjustable strap 108 that is coupled to the lower portion 130 of thefirst elongated bolster 102 at the connection point 142 and the lowerportion 132 of the second elongated bolster 104 at the connection point140. The second adjustable strap 108 comprises a left strap 124 that iscoupled to the lower portion 130 as well as a right strap 148 that iscoupled to the lower portion 132. The left strap 124 is coupled to theright strap 148 to form one second adjustable strap 108 through the useof the buckle 112. In the current embodiment, the second adjustablestrap 108 is coupled to the connection points 140, 142 through the useof stitching. In optional embodiments, the second adjustable strap 108may be coupled to the connection points 140,142 through the use of heatbonding or ultrasonic bonding. In the current embodiment, the firstadjustable strap 106 and the second adjustable strap 108 are comprisedof nylon. In optional embodiments, the first adjustable strap 106 andthe second adjustable strap 108 may be comprised of any other suitablematerial such as a polyester. In optional embodiments, releasablefasteners may be used.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the first adjustable strap 106 and the secondadjustable strap 108 each have a width of approximately one foot, whilethe left straps 144 and 124 each have a length of 40″ each and the rightstraps 146 and 148 each have a length of approximately four feet. Thesemeasurements allow the buckles 110 and 112 to be placed in a locationsuch that it does not interfere with a car's seatbelt mechanisms. Inoptional embodiments, different measures may be used to account fordifferent applications.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective front view illustrating thesupport pillow positioned in a seat for use in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, is presented generally at 200. Inthis illustration, the support pillow 100 is shown coupled to a seatchair. The first adjustable strap 106 is shown coupled around theheadrest 206 of the chair. In optional embodiments, the first adjustablestrap 106 may be coupled around the main body 204 of the chair to allowthe headrest 206 to be free and usable for those individuals situatedbehind the user, such as for placement of a portable television screenon the headrest. The lower strap 108 is coupled around the main body 204of the chair. When installed, the first elongated bolster 102 and secondelongated bolster 104 sit on the base 202 on the chair. The secondadjustable strap 108, when installed, sits on-top of the seatbeltincluded with the vehicle with the buckle 112 connecting over theseatbelt. The placement of the seatbelt when the support device 100 isinstalled in relation to the buckle 112 and second adjustable strap 108is further discussed in relation to FIG. 3. In the current embodiment,the support pillow is shown placed directly on a seat. However, inoptional embodiments, the support pillow may also be used in connectionwith a child booster seat.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective rear view illustrating thesupport pillow positioned in a seat for use in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, is presented generally at 300. Theseat contemplated in this illustration is the back of the same seatshown in FIG. 200. In this embodiment, first adjustable strap 106 isshown coupled around the headrest 206. When the support pillow 100 isinstalled, the first elongated bolster 102 and second elongated bolster104 extend outwardly past the exterior edge of the main body 204 andbottom 202. The buckle 110 is designed to couple behind the headrest 206so as to not obstruct the seat belt or otherwise become a nuisance to auser while they try to sleep or rest.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective front view illustrating thesupport pillow in use in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, is presented generally at 400. Here, a user 408 is shownseated in the chair with the support device 100 installed. Onceinstalled, the left side of the user 402 will be held firmly against thefirst elongated bolster 102 and the right side of the user 404 will beheld firmly against the second elongated bolster 104. When the supportpillow 100 is installed, the user's head 406 will be supported by thefirst elongated bolster 102 and the second elongated bolster 104. Thiswill allow a user to sleep or otherwise relax without suffering anydiscomfort or pain in the neck or shoulder area. When installed, thesecond adjustable strap 108 and the buckle 112 are configured to siton-top of the seatbelts 410 that come pre-installed in the vehicle sothat the full and safe operation of the pre-installed seat belts are notinhibited.

Referring now to FIG. 5, method diagram illustrating how to use thesupport pillow in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, is presented generally at 500. The method begins by placingthe support pillow into a vehicle 502. The support pillow is thencoupled to a seat by placing the first adjustable strap 106 around theheadrest 206 and coupling the left strap 144 to the right strap 146through use of the buckle 110 and adjusting the first adjustable strap106 such that the strap is taught against the headrest 504. Once thefirst adjustable strap 106 is secured to the headrest 206, the user isthen seated into the seat that the support pillow is coupled to 506.Once the user is seated into the seat, the second adjustable strap 108is coupled over the existing seatbelt, and the left strap 124 is coupledto the right strap 148 and the second adjustable strap 108 is adjustedso that it sits taught against the existing seatbelt 410 and the user508.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of an optional embodiment ofa support pillow is presented generally at 600. In this embodiment, thesupport pillow comprises four separate bolster cushions, 602, 604, 606,and 608. Each of the bolster cushions 602, 604, 606, and 608 eachcomprise a zipper 612, 616, 614, and 616, respectively. The left bolstercushions 602 and 606 are coupled together through the use of a flexiblefabric joint 610, and the right bolster cushions 616 and 620 are coupledtogether through the use of a flexible fabric joint 618.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the optional support pillow presented in 600comprises a first adjustable strap 106 coupled to the upper left bolstercushion 602 at the connection point 138 as well as to the upper rightbolster cushion 604 at the connection point 138. The first adjustablestrap 106 comprises a left strap 144 that is coupled to the upper leftbolster cushion 602 as well as a right strap 146 that is coupled to theupper right bolster cushion 136. The left strap 144 is coupled to theright strap 146 to form one first adjustable strap 106 through the useof the buckle 110. In the current embodiment, the first adjustable strap106 is coupled to the connection points 136, 138 through the use ofstitching. In optional embodiments, the first adjustable strap 106 maybe coupled to the connection points 136, 138 through the use of heatbonding or ultrasonic bonding.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the optional support pillow presented in 600comprises a second adjustable strap 108 that is coupled to the lowerleft bolster cushion 606 at the connection point 142 and the lower rightbolster cushion 608 at the connection point 140. The second adjustablestrap 108 comprises a left strap 124 that is coupled to the lower leftbolster cushion 606 as well as a right strap 148 that is coupled to thelower right bolster cushion 620. The left strap 124 is coupled to theright strap 148 r to form one second adjustable strap 108 through theuse of the buckle 112. In the current embodiment, the second adjustablestrap 108 is coupled to the connection points 140, 142 through the useof stitching. In optional embodiments, the second adjustable strap 108may be coupled to the connection points 140,142 through the use of heatbonding or ultrasonic bonding. In the current embodiment, the firstadjustable strap 106 and the second adjustable strap 108 are comprisedof nylon. In optional embodiments, the first adjustable strap 106 andthe second adjustable strap 108 may be comprised of any other suitablematerial such as a polyester. In optional embodiments, releasablefasteners may be used.

Still referring to FIG. 6, in operation the flexible fabric joints 610and 618 allow the bolsters 602, 604, 606, and 608 to be angled inwardlywhen the first adjustable strap 106 and the second adjustable strap 108and coupled to the seat and pulled tightly. This embodiment createsadditional support and may be used to help individuals who have certaindisorders or are more susceptible to having a greater degree of tiltwhen resting their head. This optional embodiment also allows for use insmaller spaces.

While the present invention has been described in connection with whatare presently considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is notlimited to these herein disclosed embodiments. Rather, the presentinvention is intended to mobile phone the various modifications andequivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenienceonly. In accordance with the principles of the invention, the feature(s)of one drawing may be combined with any or all of the features in any ofthe other drawings. The words “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and“with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensivelyand are not limited to any physical interconnection. Moreover, anyembodiments disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as the onlypossible embodiments. Rather, modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A support device configured to overlay a seating assemblyand further configured to support a user, the support device comprising:a first elongated bolster to support a first thoracic side of the user;a second elongated bolster to support a second thoracic side of theuser; a first adjustable strap coupled to an upper portion of the firstelongated bolster and an upper portion of the second elongated bolstersuch that the first adjustable strap connects each of the first andsecond elongated bolsters on the upper portion of the first elongatedbolster and the upper portion of the second elongated bolster; a secondadjustable strap coupled to a lower portion of the first elongatedbolster and a lower portion of the second elongated bolster such thatthe second adjustable strap connects each of the first and secondelongated bolsters on on the lower portion of the first elongatedbolster and the lower portion of the second elongated bolster; whereinwhen the first adjustable strap is tightened the upper portions of thefirst and second elongated bolsters move together such that the firstand second elongated bolsters form a tapered shape with respect to theother to support the user's thoracic sides, neck, head or anycombination thereof; wherein each of the first and second elongatedbolsters comprise a hollow interior and a closeable pouch to allowchanging of a material in a hollow interior of each of the first andsecond elongated bolsters.
 2. The support device of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second adjustable straps wrap around the seating assembly. 3.The support device of claim 1, wherein when the second adjustable strapis tightened, the lower portions of the first and second elongatedbolsters move towards each other such that the first and secondelongated bolsters form a parallel shape with respect to the other tosupport the thoracic sides of the user.
 4. A method for supporting auser seated in a seating assembly, the method comprising: overlaying asupport device on the seating assembly, the support device comprising afirst elongated bolster to support a first thoracic side of the user anda second elongated bolster to support a second thoracic side of theuser; coupling the support device to the seating assembly by placing afirst adjustable upper strap around the seating assembly; adjusting thefirst adjustable upper strap so the first adjustable upper strap istaught against the seating assembly; further coupling the support deviceto the seating assembly by placing a second lower adjustable straparound the seating assembly; adjusting the first adjustable upper strapand second adjustable lower strap to support the user on the firstthoracic side the second thoracic side.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein coupling the support device to the seating assembly comprisesadjusting the first adjustable strap such that the first adjustablestrap is taught against a back of the seating assembly.
 6. The method ofclaim 4, wherein adjusting each of the first adjustable strap and secondadjust able strap straps such that the user is supported on the firstthoracic side the second thoracic side comprises tightening the firstadjustable strap such that the first and second elongated bolsters movetoward each other for a tapered shape with respect to the other tosupport the user's thoracic sides, neck and head of the user.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein adjusting each of the straps such that theuser is supported on the second thoracic side, the second thoracic sidecomprises tightening the second adjustable strap such that the first andsecond elongated bolsters form a parallel shape with respect to theother to support the thoracic sides of the user.
 8. The method of claim4, wherein each of the first and second elongated bolsters comprise ahollow interior and a closeable pouch to allow changing of a material inthe interior the of the bolsters.